Table of Contents, Fall 2020

WITH DAVID FAHRENTHOLD, ARTHEL NEVILLE, AND DAN RATHER

Image by Center for Media EngagementImage by Center for Media EngagementThe Center for Media Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin invited three prominent journalists to join them for a virtual conversation on the media’s role in this year’s events. Read the transcript of the first hour of the discussion.

BY CLIFFORD G. CHRISTIANS

Photo by cottonbro from PexelsPhoto by cottonbro from PexelsThe falsehoods this year were overwhelming in scope and scurrilous in depth, and the massive truth-denial of the social media and the false equivalence of the mainstream media were determining factors in this year’s election.

BY KATHLEEN BARTZEN CULVER

Georgia Election Results by County - Magog the Ogre, CC0Georgia Election Results by County - Magog the Ogre, CC0Hearing the President call Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger an "enemy of the people," we must recognize the statement for what it is: a sweeping and scandalous attempt to undermine this democracy. And in the same ways news media had to wrestle with traditional journalism ethics in figuring out how to cover the Trump presidency, we now stand at a moment that demands an ethics for all public communication.

BY FORMER STUDENTS & COLLEAGUES

Edmund B Lambeth - Courtesy of Memorial Funeral HomeEdmund B Lambeth - Courtesy of Memorial Funeral HomeEdmund B. Lambeth passed away May 2, 2020 in Columbia, Missouri. He was a professor of journalism at Indiana University, director of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism, and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research at University of Missouri School of Journalism. Here several former students and colleagues pay tribute to his memory.

BY SNEHA GORE MEHENDALE

Photo by Harsch Shivam from PexelsPhoto by Harsch Shivam from PexelsAs fake news or misinformation rapidly become a global problem, these could further be exacerbated by the use of virtual reality. Adoption of such immersive journalism technologies may not prove to be sustainable unless news organizations consider the ethical issues these technologies bring. 

BY DAVID STATON

Ann McKee/BU via APAnn McKee/BU via APA major study found 99% of former NFL players had a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Meanwhile, the media is complicit in broadcasting player collisions not just during the live telecast, but ad nauseam in highlights following the contest. In the face of media coverage which amplifies and magnifies injurious content, the scaffolding of care ethics is offered as an approach that seeks to minimize harm and offer guidance in the production and consumption of sports such as football.

 

BY JOHN A. FORTUNATO

Image from PixabayImage from PixabayThis essay questions the ethics of media and marketing framing in the context of sports gambling. The analysis will enhance the importance of understanding the framing process from an ethical perspective for all risk-behavior industries.

BY CLAIRE COBURN & SCOTT R. STROUD

Image from nytimes.comImage from nytimes.comThis case study examines the values in conflict when a paper publishes a controversial op-ed piece. Should newsrooms continue to publish op-eds if they know that they will be controversial? Where is the line between a controversial piece and an offensive piece?

BY CHLOE YOUNG & KAT WILLIAMS

Photo by Marsha MillerPhoto by Marsha MillerCable news is now greatly influencing the political reality of millions of Americans. What ethical responsibilities do cable newsrooms hold as truth seeking institutions? Are partisan news channels failing these responsibilities? 

BY ULYA AVIRAL

Abramis Academic PublishingAbramis Academic PublishingTom Cooper, a professor of Visual and Media Arts at Emerson College, presents in his 2020 book Doing the Right Thing twelve case studies based on exceptional leaders who made remarkable decisions under dire conditions.